Friday, 2 August 2013

Building a brand new Jimini

With all those classic Mini derivatives needing a rebuild rather then a build, there is of course the exception to this rule. The Andersen Cub for example can still be build from a brand new kit, like ABS Motorsport's Sprint GT. Or how about the Jimini 2? Reader Nigel Lamb reminded me to that car. He wrote: "Hi Jeroen, having recently seen the Jimini 2 painted in U.S. Army colours on your blog (see here), I thought you might like to see my Jimini 2 which I built between 2008 and 2012 with the assistance from some very talented friends. It is powered by a 998cc A-series engine and is unique in having a forward hinging quick release bonnet along with wheel arch extensions. It has provided hours of fun to build and as a full 4-seater it has also been great to drive along the coast and down to the beach as we live on the West coast of Scotland. The Jimini was originally released as a Mk1 with a steel body construction, around 200 examples were built between 1973 and 1983. The design changed to the Jimini 2 in 1983 with the body then being made from GRP. With the design still looking fresh, the Jimini is still available today to build (website here) and must be considered one of the last Mini derivatives still in production. Kind regards, Nigel Lamb." Thanks very much Nigel, it looks like a cracking job if you ask me!

The kit arrives from the West Midlands to West Scotland. Nigel (left) is happy with it!

Picture courtesy Nigel Lamb

998 engine is fully reconditioned, as are the subframes and suspension

Picture courtesy Nigel Lamb

A car is born! Oblong headlights are a typical feature for the Jimini 2

Picture courtesy Nigel Lamb

The finished car with full roll bar, home made extensions and proud owner

Picture courtesy Nigel Lamb

These roads are made for this car! It took Nigel and friends 4 years to build it